Two thirds of UK public think deaf people can’t work in the police force, survey reveals

Almost two thirds of the general public aren’t confident that deaf people can work for the police, a YouGov survey has revealed.

The poll of more than 2,100 people, commissioned by the National Deaf Children’s Society as part of its Deaf Works Everywhere campaign, found 62% felt that deaf people aren’t allowed to be employed by the police service.

Martin McLean, senior policy adviser at the deaf charity, said the figures are a “clear sign that deaf young people just don’t get the information they need”.

He said: “Deafness doesn’t hold young people back, but myths and misconceptions do and if they wrongly believe that many careers are out of bounds, many will end up unfairly limiting their ambitions.

“It’s an institutionalised injustice and it has to change.

“We need schools to offer better careers advice tailored to deaf young people’s needs and it must start now. Employers also need to play their part by doing more to reach deaf young people and inspiring them to make an application.

“There’s an entire generation of deaf potential out there and after a few important changes, it can finally be unleashed.”

Mr McLean’s comments come after a separate survey found a third of deaf young people (36%) have not received careers advice tailored to their deafness – with only one in ten (9%) being provided with specific guidance.

The public’s assumption about deaf people and careers in the police, unveiled during National Careers Week, has also been challenged by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) – which said there are deaf members of staff in forces “across the country” who have “successful and rewarding careers”.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, lead for workforce diversity and representation at the NPCC, said: “We are committed to achieving a representative workforce and warmly welcome applications from all members of the community.

“There are many roles within the police service, including police officers; police staff; special constables and Police Community Support Officers. Many of these jobs can be done by deaf people.

“Police forces are happy to help and provide more information if there is a role that would interest you. They will support you through the application and selection process.

“If you are successful, you will be given the support you need to do your job,” she said.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.